Overseas Insurance

All international student travel covered by the Student Travel Policy for International Locations includes mandatory enrollment in the UT International Insurance Coverage program--Overseas Insurance. The Overseas Insurance policy applies to students:

Though some students will be dually covered by a national health care program and/or a program provider insurance policy, all UT-Austin students are required to enroll in mandatory coverage through UT. The only exception is UT-Austin students studying abroad in their home country. These students may still use ISOS assistance and the general liability coverage component of Overseas Insurance if they choose. Contact the Global Risk & Safety Coordinator (travelabroad@austin.utexas.edu) for more information.

We recommend that all students retain their domestic (US-based) health insurance coverage while they are abroad in case they are forced to return to the United States before their program is over for any reason, such as a medical emergency. Please also be aware that Overseas Insurance does not satisfy the coverage requirements outlined by the Affordable Care Act.

Register travel through the MySAO Portal. You will be automatically enrolled in Overseas insurance when you are accepted into the program.

Find your Overseas Insurance charges on your What I Owe page. It is due 10 days before your program start date.

Pay insurance based on the travel dates recorded in the MySAO Portal. You will also be covered two weeks before and two weeks after your listed program dates, free of charge. If you need additional travel insurance, you can secure it from the carrier of your choice.

Receive an International Emergency Contact Card from your Program Coordinator, at a pre-departure orientation, or download one. The cards list the ISOS and ACE/Chubb policy numbers and contact information.

Download the International SOS Assistance App. In addition to giving you access to valuable health and safety information about your location, you are also able to chat directly with an ISOS case manager.

Find your Overseas Insurance charges on your What I Owe page. It is due 10 days before your listed travel start date.

Overseas Insurance coverage dates and charges are calculated based on the travel dates recorded in the ITR. You will be covered two weeks before and two weeks after your listed program dates, free of charge. If you want travel insurance beyond that time period you will have to arrange it with the carrier of your choice.

Download our emergency contact card or pick up a paper copy from the International Office before you depart. The cards list the ISOS and ACE/Chubb policy numbers and contact information.

Download the International SOS Assistance App. In addition to giving you access to valuable health and safety information about your location, you are also able to chat directly with an ISOS case manager.

need to speak to a counselor or therapist, either over in person or over the phone

need to be evacuated due to civil uprisings or natural disasters

are the victim of a crime and need emergency services

lose your travel documents or need legal help

want UT officials to be aware of your situation; you will have to give consent to ISOS to share the information with UT officials

ISOS Assistance App

With the International SOS Assistance App, students are able to sign up for updates and alerts for their destination, research medical and security risks and get advice, check-in during crises, and call ISOS for help or advice. Also, through their LiveChat feature, students can securely chat with an ISOS case manager over WiFi, allowing you to get quick answers to your questions and safely contact them in situations where you may not be able to make a normal phone call. We strongly encourage all students download the ISOS Assistance App prior to going abroad.

Travel Accident and Sickness Insurance Policy

Students are covered by a robust Travel Accident and Sickness Insurance policy underwritten by ACE American Insurance Company/Chubb. When a student needs minor medical care, they should be prepared to pay up front for medical expenses. Afterward, they have 90 days to download a claim form from ACE/Chubb and file it with the company. In cases in which medical fees exceed $500, ISOS can process a direct payment on the student’s behalf. You can see a brief summary of all elements included in student overseas insurance.

These instructions explain how to file claims. We strongly recommend scanning and emailing claim information to facilitate tracking.

ACE American Insurance Company Telephone: #800-336-0627 (from within the US); C/O Ms. Diane Basa #302-476-6194 (from outside of the US)

Emotional Support

While incredibly rewarding, studying abroad can be a stressful experience. This stress can lead to particular challenges for students' mental health. To assist our students as they navigate their mental health during their time abroad, International SOS provides a short-term counseling service called Enhanced Emotional Support through a partnership with WorkPlace Options. With Emotional Support, students are able to call International SOS any time, day or night, and receive counseling from an English-speaking mental health professional. Depending on the needs of the student and availability, students can receive counseling over the phone, through a video-call, or face-to-face. To receive support, contact International SOS at +1-215-942-8059 or through the ISOS Assistance App.

General Liability

If a student accidentally harms a person or property while overseas, The University of Texas System International General Liability insurance pays financial compensation to the injured party. If necessary, the liability insurance will provide defense assistance.

Visa Letters & Overseas Insurance Inquiries

If you are asked to provide official UT-Austin Proof of Insurance documentation for your time abroad, email travelabroad@austin.utexas.edu and include "ATTN: Overseas Insurance" in the subject line.

Students also should maintain their U.S. health insurance coverage in case they need treatment when they return to the United States.